Ten-man Valencia CF fall to Eibar at Mestalla (0-4)

February, 04 2017 -

Valencia CF lost their LaLiga Matchday 21 game against Eibar 0-4 at Mestalla, in a game that saw the team play the entire second half with ten men. A harsh sending off for Carlos Soler was one of the key moments of the game, and left VCF with an uphill battle to avoid a second defeat on the bounce. Two second half goals confirmed the victory for the visitors.

The starting eleven featured several modifications, as between injuries and suspensions coach Voro González was unable to field Rodrigo, Enzo Pérez, Abdennour, Siqueira, Nani, Munir and Parejo. Striker Simone Zaza was given his first start at Mestalla, whilst new signing Fabian Orellana began the game on the bench.

Before the quarter hour mark of the game, Zaza had his first opportunity to score; José Luis Gayà sent in a great cross that the Italian headed wide of goal. At the other end, Arbilla put the ball just wide of the right post.

Whilst possession and chances remained even as the first half progressed, Eibar managed to establish the lead through Sergi Enrich on 28 minutes. A close range header found its way past Diego Alves to make it 0-1 to the Basque side.

Alves was called into action again soon after, to deny Lejeune off a header, but Eibar were not dominating the game by any means.

The big moment of the game -with plenty of controversy included- came at the end of the first half. Carlos Soler tangled with Eibar's Escalante, responded to contact with his face and brushed his hand against the veteran defender. Escalante's reaction was enough to convince the referee to show a straight red card, leaving Valencia CF down to 10 men. Their woes were compounded when Adrián converted the resulting penalty, with the final kick of the first half.

After the break, Voro decided to give Orellana his debut in place of Joao Cancelo as VCF chased the game. However, the team's hopes of a comeback were stifled when Dani Garcia smashed in a volley from outside the area, taking the score to 0-3 with a shot Alves was powerless to reach.

Although Valencia CF played with pride until the end and put everything they had into attacking, Eibar grabbed a final goal before time ran out. A long ball from Fran Rico was met by Sergi Enrich, who finished off the move and completed the 0-4 win for the visitors. VCF had one last chance at a consolation goal, but Orellana's shot was tipped over by Yoel.

After the harsh defeat, the focus will now turn to next Saturday's away game at the Benito Villamarin and a return to winning ways against Real Betis.

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